ABS and Siemens Energy partner to enhance lithium-ion battery safety using advanced simulation, improving thermal runaway understanding for marine applications.
ABS and Siemens Energy have entered into a Joint Development Project (JDP) aimed at significantly improving the safety and reliability of lithium-ion battery systems through advanced modeling and simulation techniques. The collaboration focuses on gaining a deeper, science-based understanding of thermal runaway—one of the most critical safety challenges associated with lithium-ion batteries particularly in demanding marine and offshore operating environments.
The JDP combines the complementary strengths of ABS and Siemens Energy. ABS brings extensive experience in marine and offshore classification, technical verification, and the development of globally recognized safety standards. Siemens Energy contributes its leadership in digital simulation, advanced engineering tools, and industrial technology innovation. Together, the two organizations aim to create robust simulation frameworks that can predict battery behavior under extreme and abnormal conditions, enabling safer system designs from the earliest development stages.
Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly being adopted across marine and offshore sectors to support decarbonization, hybrid propulsion, and energy storage for both vessels and offshore installations. However, the consequences of battery failures—particularly thermal runaway events—can be severe in enclosed or remote environments where emergency response options are limited. Through this JDP, ABS and Siemens Energy seek to close existing knowledge gaps by using high-fidelity modeling and simulation to analyze how battery packs respond to thermal, electrical, and mechanical stresses.
The project places a strong emphasis on simulation-based validation. Instead of relying solely on physical testing, which can be costly, time-consuming, and limited in scope, advanced digital models will allow the partners to assess a wide range of scenarios. These include fault initiation, propagation of thermal events, and the effectiveness of mitigation measures such as cooling systems, containment strategies, and system isolation. Insights generated through this approach are expected to inform improved design verification methods and more resilient safety concepts for next-generation battery systems.
According to Michael Kei, safety and technical assurance remain central to ABS’s mission. He emphasized that combining ABS’s deep knowledge of safety standards with Siemens Energy’s advanced modeling expertise will help the marine and offshore industries adopt emerging energy storage technologies with greater confidence. By strengthening the technical foundations behind battery system design and operation, the collaboration supports both innovation and risk reduction.
From Siemens Energy’s perspective, the initiative represents a critical step toward optimizing battery system performance while enhancing safety. Lars Barstad highlighted that advanced modeling and simulation are essential tools for shaping a safer and cleaner energy future. By digitally evaluating design and operational requirements, the project will help ensure that battery solutions deployed in marine and offshore applications meet stringent safety expectations without compromising efficiency or sustainability goals.
Over the course of the JDP, findings from the simulation work are expected to contribute to stronger safety assurance across the entire energy storage lifecycle—from concept design and certification to installation, operation, and ongoing risk management. Ultimately, the collaboration between ABS and Siemens Energy underscores a shared commitment to enabling the safe adoption of lithium-ion batteries as the marine and offshore industries transition toward lower-carbon energy systems.
